News from Haiti, October 8 at 18 pm

Yesterday we were happy to share with you that our sisters on the southern coast are well. Tonight,
following a week filled with much anxiety, we were able to have a long conversation with Sister
Gertrude Milfleur. She had just arrived in Port-au-Prince after her trip to the South.
On her way to meet our sisters in Port--Piment and Chardonnires, she saw the destruction of one of
the most powerful hurricanes to hit the southern coast. Unfortunately, it was impossible to make the
entire trip by car. Sister Gertrude and the three sisters who were traveling with her, Magella Moussignac
Simonne St-Felix and Erline Fantal, left their car in Roche--Bateau,at the home of the priests there.
They took four motorcycle-taxis (one each) to continue on the road and when the water became too high
or when they had to cross a river, they walked. Fifteen kilometers separates Roche--Bateau from Port-Piment. And then another eight kilometers to get to Chardonnires.
As they advanced either through the water or on the shore, it was among the dead animals and all kinds
of dirt with a foul odor that filled the air. Along the route, all the houses except those in concrete were
destroyed and the village people were everywhere looking for their clothes in the water and the mud. It
seems as though cholera has begun to claim victims.
Arriving in Port--Piment, they found our house still standing and strong enough to receive the people of
the village (except the doors that were torn off). The yard was also full of people coming for refuge. The
sisters are sharing the little food they have. Outside help organizations have begun to arrive todaybut
it will be long. The well that the youth of College St. Anne, Lachine, paid for during their visit has saved
many people.
The three sisters of Port--Piment decided to stay with people. Their two schools, built of concrete, are
providing shelter to the people.
Our four travelers continued on their way to Chardonnires where they found the same situation. The
house and the concrete school were still standing, except for the doors. As at Port--Piment, the house,
the school and the clinic are providing shelter to the people. The four sisters living there have decided to
stay with the people.
Sister Gertrude's words are: it is a miracle that our houses are still standing and that the trees have not
fallen on them. Many people over 80 years of age, who have experienced other disasters, said to
Gertrude that they do not understand the power of this hurricane.
As for Les Cayes, the primary school also serves as a shelter for the population. The sisters of Gabions
go to their house during the day and return to sleep at the house at Bergeaud for their safety at night.
There are sixteen persons there who are benefiting from a generator. Both of the houses in Les Cayes
have drinking water through a water source located on the property at Gabions called "Water SainteAnne."
Starting today, people are beginning to clear the debris as the sun helps the water to retreat gradually.
Let us remain united in prayer for all the people of Haiti.